Staff Picks! Our Favorite Low-Carb Cocktails for the Summer

Here at Diabetes Daily, we often find ourselves sharing our favorite new finds – snacks for on the go, pasta substitutes, and our favorite summer cocktails! Whether you are enjoying the warm weather from your backyard or at a new restaurant in town, there are options that won’t send your blood sugars through the roof.

Meet our staff while we share with you our favorite summer cocktails! Here they are in order of our time here at Diabetes Daily:

David Edelman, Co-Founder and CEO – “I am loving Manhattans! Or just bourbon, bitters, a dash of agave, and a smashed orange.” Coming in at only 3 grams of carbs, this might be one I try! Manhattans are an old time favorite for many; it’s been around since the late 1800s! Fun fact: The creator of the Manhattan remains a mystery. There are two conflicting stories, and neither has been confirmed!

Sysy Morales, Assistant Editor – “I love a low-carb mojito with sparkling water, squirt of lime juice, muddled mint, a sugar-free substitute (or a squirt of sugar-free flavored drops such as MIO), and a splash of rum!” Fun fact: In ancient cultures, people believed that bathing and drinking mineral waters from springs, which were naturally carbonated, could cure many diseases. If only this were true!

Claire Apigo, Syndication Manager – “I like trying new drinks but don’t remember the names! I have been known to enjoy a few tequila sunrises though! While this cocktail is a mixture of tequila, orange juice, and a drop of grenadine syrup, you can use the low sugar orange juice and a sugar substitute.” Fun fact: The most popular version of this drink was created in the 1970s by bartenders working at a large bar/music venue in Sausalito, California. In 1972, The Rolling Stones kicked off their American tour there, Mick Jagger took a liking to the cocktail, and it spread like wildfire!

Allison Caggia, Editorial Director – “I like to keep it simple. I love Titos vodka on the rocks with a splash of lemonade Vitamin Water. There are 4 grams of carbs in one bottle, and I bring it wherever I go! Yes, even weddings! There’s no shame in my game!” Fun fact: This great tasting vodka was created by a man with the full name of Beveridge Tito. Talk about irony!

Leighann Calentine, Assistant Editor – “I really prefer wine these days, but I do enjoy a gin and tonic with a wedge of lime.” You can make this drink low-carb by purchasing diet tonic and keeping it on hand. Or if you are out, get it with club soda instead. Fun Fact: Almost half the world production of gin is consumed in the Philippines.

Maria Muccioli, Staff Writer – “I really like the Truly, White Claw, and the Smirnoff spiked seltzers. I think they’d make great mixers and are only 1-2 grams of carbs per can. I also enjoy dry vodka martinis or an Old Fashioned without the sugar syrup.” Fun fact: These are also gluten-free!

Photo credit: Varshesh Joshi (Unsplash)

Ryan Ruchs, V.P. of Customer Experience – “I love a good mojito in the summertime!” The original calls for simple syrup, but you can swap it with a sugar substitute to not spike your blood sugars. That would take the carb count down from about 25 grams to 2 grams. Fun fact: The mojito is known to have been Ernest Hemmingway’s favorite drink.

Michelle Alswager, Sales Director – “White Claw drinks are amazing! I love the black cherry. They are very tart with just a hint of sweet, unlike basic seltzer drinks. Very refreshing!” Fun fact: White Claw is named after the “white claw waves” that travel in threes across the ocean. Coming in at 5% alcohol, it is no wonder it is also the top-selling hard seltzer in the nation. P.S. It is also gluten-free.

Julie De Vos, Community Advocate– “I have been enjoying gin and tonic. Extra ice and extra lime!” Fun Fact: The quinine makes tonic water fluorescent in ultraviolet light.

While the staff here at Diabetes Daily works hard to deliver you the best content we can, we also love to relax and spend time with our family and friends. We hope you take some of our cocktail tips and try them this summer. And don’t forget to always drink responsibly and check your blood sugar!

What summer drinks do you enjoy that are also kind to your blood sugars? We would love to hear from you!

Allison Caggia is a content marketing specialist who currently serves as the Editorial Director at Diabetes Daily. Allison spent nearly a decade in publishing at Hearst Corporation and Time Incorporated, among others. After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2013, Allison became an active member and expert in the Diabetes Online Community, educating herself while providing daily support to others with diabetes and their loved ones. Allison has been a moderator for the Wellness for Diabetes Summit hosted by author Rachel Zinman, volunteers for JDRF, and has been featured in Diabetes Forecast. She was also featured as a speaker on the Diabetes Empowerment Summit held by Daniele Hargenrader, the Diabetes Dominator. Allison is passionate about health and fitness, an avid crossfitter, and has participated in type 1 athletic events. Allison is married with two children and resides in Long Island, New York.